One sip of an Italian coffee, and it will be hard to go back to Starbucks.

That said, your first time in an Italian café can be confusing if you’re not properly prepped. No worries: Here’s our guide to ordering coffee in Italy like a pro.

More tips for Italy:
• The best budget hotels in Rome 
• An affordable 10-day itinerary through Italy
• Our favorite cheap hotels in Florence

How to order coffee in Italy

1. A cafe is actually called a “bar” in Italy

First, it’s important to know that what we call a “café”, Italians call a “bar”. (What’s especially confusing, but we’ll get to in a minute, is that caffè actually means “coffee”.) You’ll see hundreds of bars around Rome, on almost every corner and sometimes up to three or four in one block. To an untrained eye, you might think Italians have a drinking problem but don’t worry, they’re only coffee addicts!

Related: Our glossary of types of coffee in Rome, with a list of our favorite Roman coffee bars.

2. Drink at the counter: Italians don’t linger

Italians drink their coffee fast, and at the bar. Espresso is an essential, so they don’t waste time sipping while reading the paper or visiting with friends. Instead, they’ll pop into bars five or six times a day for a quick cup, gulped down at the counter over some banter with the barista.

So for an authentic experience, join the masses standing at the bar. The clink of ceramic cups and routine of shaking and stirring sugar packets is endearing, and one you won’t get from a table. If you do feel like sitting, be prepared for a slightly larger bill. It’s usually twice the price if you use table service.

Related: The two best espresso in Rome, steps from the Pantheon

3. Paying systems can vary

This is where it gets a little tricky. Where and how you pay depends on where and how you order. If you’re sitting, you can usually order and pay at the table, but if you’re standing, the rules are murkier. In most cases, you order and pay at the cash register, then bring your receipt to the barista, who will make your order. In other cases, you order at the bar, drink your coffee, and then tell the person at the cash register what you had. As a general rule, try the cash register first, or take a moment to watch what others are doing.

4. A guide to every drink

• Caffè: “Caffe” means “coffee” in Italian, but what you get isn’t filter coffee, but what we call espresso. You can say “espresso” instead of “caffe” if you want.

• Caffè Americano: If you’re looking for filter coffee, this is the closest you’ll get. It’s espresso with hot water added, and probably still a bit stronger than what you’re used to.

• Caffè macchiato: Meaning “stained” or “spotted” coffee, this is an espresso with a dash of hot, foamy milk on top. It’s delicious with a bit of sugar and a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

• Caffè con panna: Similar to the macchiato, but sweeter, this espresso is topped with sweet whipped cream.

• Caffè corretto: This “corrected” coffee is served with a drop of liquor, usually cognac, grappa or Sambuca, but feel free to add whatever you prefer.

• Caffè shakerato: Delicious in the sweltering summer months, a caffè shakerato is a fresh espresso mixed with sugar and ice, and shaken vigorously like a martini until it froths as it’s poured into a chilled glass. Some people add chocolate syrup, which makes it extra divine.

• Caffè latte: This is espresso with hot milk, just like a latte in the US. But careful to specify the “caffè” part, because “latte” just means “milk”. Many tourists order a “latte” and are shocked when they’re presented with a steaming mug of white milk, much to the confusion of everyone involved. Even ordered correctly though, the caffè latte is not a common drink in Italy, and you might not get what you expect.

• Cappuccino: Saving the best for last! Italy’s most famous coffee drink, the cappuccino is a warm, soothing, perfect ratio of espresso to whole milk, frothed to perfection. One sip and you’ll realize it’s completely different than whatever cappuccino you’re used to, and in a good way. But they come with a caveat—you cannot order them after noon, unless you want to risk being scorned. Italians have a weird thing about drinking cappuccinos only in the morning, and they’ll give you very funny looks if you do otherwise.

You might notice throughout your time in Italy that Italians have strict food rules, and this is one of them. The heavy milk and foam in a cappuccino constitute their breakfast, and they deem cappuccinos far too heavy for an afternoon coffee break. They believe that dairy upsets digestion and they might be right. You’ll never see an Italian order a cappuccino after dinner, yet it’s almost all they drink in the morning.

Maybe they’re onto something, or maybe it’s one of those rituals we’ll never understand, but either way, if you want to fit in, stick to ordering them for breakfast.

Now you’re a pro! And don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed when walking into a bar. Someone will surely offer to assist, and the servers are usually very friendly. The most important thing is that you take in the bar’s atmosphere, breathe in the scent of freshly ground coffee and sweet pastries, and enjoy the taste of real Italian coffee while you can.

Your favorite cafe beverage

What’s your favorite type of coffee in Italy? Let us know in the comments below!

The post How to order coffee in Italy: Navigating cafe culture like a pro appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Wait, what? Isn’t Paris supposed the be the city for coffee? As we explained in this post in 2012, Paris’ cafés are perhaps the best in the world at creating the perfect café ambiance… but often the coffee itself is bitter and lousy. As the previous post pointed out, however, there is a coffee revolution brewing in Paris. Finally, some cafés with decent roasts and talented baristas have entered the scene.

In the two years since we published that post, however, a handful of new coffee shops have opened around the city that deserve a mention. Alors, it’s time for a coffee in Paris update!

A perfectly poured espresso drink and expert barista Thomas Lehoux of Ten Belles. Photo: Didier Gauducheau (courtesy of HiP Blog)

Ten Belles

10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010
Website

Steps from the Canal St. Martin, Ten Belles is a cozy and intimate café that’s the perfect place to read a book or catch up with a friend. With a focus on quality roasts and impeccable execution, the coffee here will not disappoint. In addition to the gourmet beans, the food is simply delicious. Ten Belles offers two types of sandwiches every day (one veg and one non-veg) in addition to delicious cookies and other assorted baked treats. This is the perfect spot if you’re craving the Brooklyn vibe while abroad.

Café Craft

24 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010
Website

Just around the corner from Ten Belles, Café Craft has a more industrial vibe. With a strictly black and white aesthetic and a long sprawling table, it is a great place to get some work done while on the road. In fact, that’s kind of the point. The Café Craft concept is this: pay either by consumption or connection. This means you can either purchase coffee and food and leave within the hour, or stay to work in the perfectly curated setting, paying €3 per hour for the Internet and environment. This may seem a bit strange, but to students, freelancers and people on a working holiday, it’s the perfect arrangement.

The entrance to Strada Cafe, a pint-sized spot making delicious espresso drinks. Photo: Courtesy of Strada Cafe.

Strada Café

94 Rue du Temple, 75003
Website

Hidden on Rue du Temple in the Marais, Strada Café is a tiny expat hangout with tasty coffee, food and fresh squeezed juices. It is fashioned with eclectic furniture and is decidedly unpretentious. With free Wi-Fi, friendly English-speaking staff and soft music, what’s not to like?

Fragments

76 rue de Tournelles, 75003
Website

Fragments is a relative newcomer to the Paris coffee scene, having opened jut a few months ago. The setting is ideal, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and dark wooden furniture. You’ll notice an acute attention to detail in this café, where everything seems to be meticulously designed and catered, yet simple and elegant. What’s more, the coffee is incredible, and the simple accompanying bites to eat are delicious. The only thing missing is free Wi-Fi.

The post Coffee in Paris: New cafes serving up tasty drinks from talented baristas appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Blame the beans, blame the roasting, blame the machines, but the Parisian café takes a back seat to powerful and delicious Italian ristrettos or perfect Scandinavian lattes (who knew the Danish were so good at making coffee to go with their own national pastry?). It’s not that Parisian coffee is undrinkably bad; but, honestly, it wouldn’t take much to make it better.

Coffee snobs, however, fear not. In the past few years, there has been a coffee revolution with the opening of coffee shops selecting better quality beans, roasting locally, and properly pulling shots from some serious equipment. Whether you’re pining for your favorite New York coffee shop or a proper flat white from London, you can now find the cure in Paris without breaking the bank – too badly, at least.  Here are some of the addresses to test.

Caféothèque
52, rue de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004
Metro: Pont Marie or Hotel de Ville

If you’re in the Marais, stop in at the Caféothèque, a shop that has been roasting beans in Paris since 2005. A cup of the café du jour will set you back €3, not the cheapest by Paris standards, but it’s sure to please. The seating area can get quite cozy on the weekends, but they are expanding next door, so keep an eye out for more spots soon. They also have some pastries, but maybe stick with the coffee.

Kooka Boora
62, rue des Martyrs, 75009
Metro : Pigalle, Notre Dame de Lorette or Anvers

Kooka Boora, by trendy rue des Martyrs, is a relative newcomer to the coffee scene. With outdoor seating and superb people watching, their coffee is serious business.  Their filtered brew is fantastic and flavorful, unlike anything you’ll find at the corner café, and at €2.50 for an espresso, it’s not that much more expensive. If you’re hungry, the cakes aren’t bad and worth a splurge.

Coutume Café
47, rue de Babylone, 75007
Metro: Sèvres Babylone

During a brunch at the newest place to obsess over coffee, I fell for Coutume Café and their rich café allongé. Tucked away in the 7th arrondissement it’s not in the center of activity, but for a weekend brunch it could be worth the venture. The pastries and brunch burrito goes down fantastically with one – if not three – of their house-roasted coffees.

Le Bal Café
6, Impasse de la Défense, 75018
Metro: Place de Clichy

If you’re looking for good coffee off the beaten track, just head west of Montmartre towards Place de Clichy. Just north of the bustling square is Le Bal Café. Stop inside or on the terrace with a friend and split a small pot of locally-roasted filtered coffee for €5. They even have photo exhibits for culture-seekers or scones and pastries for, well, the rest of us.

Hopefully more quality coffee spots will open up in more arrondissements, in the near future, but the choices remain limited at the moment.  If you’re an even bigger coffee snob that imaginable, you might just want to save yourself the pain, pack some beans, and buy a souvenir French press for your hotel.

Or just drink tea.

Your favorite shot?

Do you have a favorite café to add to our list? Do you disagree with our entire post and find the coffee served in Paris’ cafés to be perfect as is? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

The post Paris: A short list of cafés that actually serve good coffee appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Milk Bar

Considered by some to serve the best coffee in London, Milk Bar pulls in discerning visitors with its grungey look and with-it crowd. The famous flat white is a perfect size, strong, aromatic and smooth, born from a blend available only at Milk Bar and sister establishment Flat White, located just around the corner on Berwick Street, and equally crammed full of customers. The handy help-yourself water tap is a nice touch, and there are also chunky sandwiches, filled croissants and muffins on sale.

Espresso £1.80, flat white £2.50
Flat 1, 3-5 Bateman Street
W1D 4AG
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tel: 020 7287 4796

FoodHall

For one of east London’s finest morning pick-me-ups, head to the upmarket FoodHall on Old Street. Made using the Climpson and Sons espresso blend, and served with unfailing good cheer, the coffee here is flavoursome and well-balanced, and you’ll rarely leave without one of their delicious snacks to go with it. The deli-style food includes pastries, meringues, pies, and even full roast dinners and good quality heat-at-home meals.

Espresso £1.75, white coffee £2.50
374-378 Old Street
EC1V 9LT
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 5p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tel: 020 7729 6005

Tapped & Packed

This cute, minimalist little place, on the approach to the Charlotte Street gastro hub, offers a rotating seasonal coffee menu featuring beans from several top-notch suppliers, and is a real connoisseur’s choice. Alongside the espresso menu, there are three brewing methods to choose from: filter, aeropress and siphon. Breakfast includes pastries and porridge, and there are fresh sandwiches, salads and soups for lunch. And those forgotten tea drinkers will be delighted to hear that there’s an impressive tea list here too.

Espresso £1.20, flat white £2.20
26 Rathbone Place
W1T 1JD
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 7p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tel: 020 7580 2163

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If there’s something to be said about Italians, one thing’s for certain, they sure know how to churn out a good cup of coffee.

Just about everywhere you turn in Rome, behind every nook, cranny and yes, monument, you will find a coffee bar. To say that Italians are obsessed with coffee is an understatement. And who could blame them? The cappuccinos are just that good.

Amateur coffee drinkers might think there are only two types of java to be ordered in Italy: a cappuccino or espresso (caffè). But nooooo. True caffè connoisseurs know that the best part about Italian coffee is the variety.

Here’s a breakdown of some different types of coffees you will find at a typical bar in Rome:

Cappuccino (“kap-oo-chee-noh”)

Roman cappuccino. Photo: Veer66

The first and the most classic coffee drink on your list is of course, the cappuccino. It is made with espresso, hot milk and a layer of froth on top. No whip cream, sorry! (That’s an American added ingredient. However, you still may be able to order it in some of the more touristy spots in Rome.) Some people have chocolate powder sprinkled on top or a squirt of chocolate syrup on top. Typically, Italians drink a cappuccino in the morning. Never in the afternoon.

*Average price if taken at the bar: €0.80-€1.20

Caffè (“kaf-ey”)

If you want to order an espresso at the bar, you’ll need to ask for “un caffè.” At the bar, a caffè is prepared using an electrical steam machine. Often when serving your caffè, they’ll throw in a small complimentary wrapped chocolate with it.

*Average price if taken at the bar: €0.70-€.80

Caffè macchiato (“kaf-ey mok-ee-aw-toh”)

The term “caffè macchiato” means literally a coffee “stained with milk.” Essentially, it’s an espresso with a shot of milk. Unlike cappuccinos, Italians find it perfectly acceptable to order a caffè or caffè macchiato after lunch.

*Average price if taken at the bar: €0.70-€.80

Caffè lungo (“kaf-ey loon-goh”)

A caffè lungo is a shot of espresso that is stretched out and made with more water. It’s not as strong as the regular espresso, as more water has passed through it.This is not the same thing as a “caffè americano,” which is a shot of espresso with hot water added to it afterwards.

*Average price if taken at the bar: €0.70-€.80

Caffè ristretto (“kaf-ey ree-stray-toh”)

A caffè ristretto is a much shorter coffee than your average espresso, as it allows for less water to pass through the coffee grinds.

*Average price if taken at the bar: €0.70-€.80

Caffè corretto (“kaf-ey koh-rray-toh”)

For the brave ones looking for a little bit of jolt in their java, there is the caffè corretto (a “corrected coffee”). It is essentially a shot of espresso with a shot of liquor inside. Typically grappa, sambuca or brandy is used. And yes, some people do have this at breakfast!

*Average price if taken at the bar: €1.50-€2

Caffè latte (“kaf-ey lah-tay”)

A caffè latte is simply a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk (no froth). Unlike in the States, if you order a “latte” at the bar in Italy they will give you just that. A glass of milk. So, remember to ask for a “caffè latte.”

*Average price if taken at the bar: €0.80-€1.20

Latte macchiato (“lah-tay mok-ee-aw-toh”)

Want a whole lot of milk and just a tad bit of coffee? What you want is a latte macchiato. This is a glass of steamed milk with a stain (about a half of a shot of espresso). This drink is different than the caffè latte as the coffee is added to the milk and not the other way around. Another difference is that the caffè latte is usually stirred or mixed, whereas the latte macchiato resembles a drink with layers.

*Average price if taken at the bar: €0.80-€1.20

Caffè marocchino (“kaf-ey mah-roh-kee-noh”)

A shot of espresso made with powdered chocolate with a little bit of milk poured on top, followed by a dabble of whipped cream. Yum!

*Average price if taken at the bar: €0.80-€1.20

Caffè freddo (“kaf-ey frey-doh”)

A shot of espresso that’s pre-sweetened with sugar or sometimes even vanilla while still hot. It is then chilled in the refrigerator. It can be served with or without a cube of ice.

*Average price if taken at the bar: €0.90-€1

Caffè del nonno (“kaf-ey del noh-noh”)

This is a small refreshing coffee drink that’s usually served in the spring and summer. It’s made with pre-sweetened espresso and whipped cream that’s chilled in the freezer for a couple of hours. It’s then thrown in a blender and served in a small espresso-like glass.

*Average price if taken at the bar: €1.80-€2

My favorite coffee bars in central Rome

Here are some of my personal favorite bars in the historic center of Rome where you can order most, if not all of these coffees. Some fancy, some not. But each one makes really, really good coffee.

Caffè Camerino
Largo Arenula, 30 (Largo Argentina)
00186 Rome

Bar Amore
Via dei Banchi Nuovi, 41 (Piazza Navona)
00186 Rome

Antico Caffè della Pace
Via della Pace, 3/7 (Piazza Navona)
00186 Rome

l’Antico Caffè della Pigna
Piazza della Pigna, 24/A (Pantheon)
00186 Rome

Caffè Tazza D’Oro
Via degli Orfani, 84 (Pantheon)
00186 Rome

Caffè Novecento
Via del Governo Vecchio, 12 (Piazza Navona)
00186 Rome

The post What to order at a cafe in Rome: A quick guide to Italian coffee appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It is actually quite hard to find a bad coffee in Rome. What is more difficult, however, is determining which is the city’s best. Ask the locals and you’ll discover that there seems to be two distinct leaders in the coffee stakes, both located remarkably close to the Pantheon in central Rome, and both just as frequently declared the home of Rome’s best espresso.

So, before you leave the Eternal City, head for the Pantheon, prepare for the rush, and lean on the bar in at least one of these places. Or “make it a double,” and lean on both bars!

Sant Eustachio – Il Caffé

Grancaffe at Sant Eustachio.

Piazza S. Eustachio, 81

It is no exaggeration to say that Il Caffé is an institution. Having been around since the days of Mussolini, this tiny café has had a loyal following for over 71 years. It has earned a virtually unmatched reputation for having the best coffee in Rome and has become a mecca for caffeine fiends from around the world, as well as an essential cultural experience even for those not attuned to the pleasures of downing espresso.

One of the specialties is the Grancaffé: a delectably powerful double espresso with a lightly whipped, sugary froth which stays in the bottom of your cup and provides a perfectly sweet ending to the espresso experience. The other is the Grancappuccino, which is equally as strong but delivers the kick in a long, hot and creamy brew. Seriously good!

Be warned though: if you choose to have your coffee at the tables in the delightful little piazza, you’ll pay almost twice the price. So, save a few euros and do what the locals do: stand, lean, and shoot it down!

Getting there: Piazza S. Eustachio is on the south-western side of the Pantheon. From behind the Pantheon, follow Via della Pallombella west until you wander into the piazza. For more information, visit http://www.santeustachioilcaffe.it/.

Tazza D’Oro – La Casa del Caffé

La Casa del Caffé – Tazza D’Oro.

Via Degli Orfani, 84

This place, literally named “Cup of Gold”, unabashedly declares itself to have the best coffee in town, and only those who frequent Sant Eustachio are likely to disagree.

Standing on a charming little corner in front of the Pantheon, the Tazza D’Oro has been around since 1946 and is still going strong. In addition to serving a potent, smooth shot of caffeine goodness, which is guaranteed to keep you primed for a full day of sight-seeing, Tazza D’Oro offers good deals for lunch and dinner, and serves up decent pizzas and salads for a remarkably reasonable price.

Getting there: Tazza D’Oro is on the north-eastern side of the Pantheon. From Piazza Dell Rotonda, which is directly in front of the Pantheon, head east along Via Dei Pastini. You can’t miss it.
For more information: www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com.

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Cheapo-gourmets have no fear. Here are a few local secrets – and budget eats – to keep you satiated:

Hit the streets!

A new concept has literally ‘hit the streets’ of Copenhagen: mobile street food. Several bikes and mopeds today circuit the busiest thoroughfares offering affordable and satisfying food. A local favorite is “fish-to-go,” run by French chef Bernard Chesneau. Here you’ll find delicious and homemade seafood dishes, served and prepared out of his own camper.

If you get it to-go: Try the tasty fish cakes with tartar sauce  (1 for €2.75, €3 for €6.75) or the fish of the day (€8). Fish to-go is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM.

National cuisine – for less!

While you’re eating your way through Copenhagen why not stop for some Danish national cuisine? Small businesses are scattered around Copenhagen selling smørrebrød (open-faced rye-bread sandwiches), at varying prices. Expect to spend  12 to 30 kroners (€.60 to €4), depending on which take-away joint you pick.

For good value, I recommend the traditional Frederiksberg Smørrebrød, on Gl. Kongevej. Ask for a “stjerneskud”: two fried fish topped with lettuce, mayo, shrimp and caviar (€5) or the “tatar”: raw minced beef with capers, onions, horseradish, and a raw egg yolk (€7).

Coffee on-the-go!

The Danes are among the most coffee-coveting people in the world, and wandering around our pretty streets you’ll notice one café after the other. Though prices in City (Midtown) can get as high as 52 kroner (€7) for a latte, cheap gourmet coffee is available nearby.

Try Ole Skram, or “the espressoman,” as he calls himself. He has equipped his personal bicycle with a gas-driven espresso machine and rides the streets of City each day selling low-priced gourmet coffee. You can typically track him down around Nørreport station, Østerport Station, and along Strøget. He charges around 20 kroners (€2.50) for a latte.

The post Copenhagen Cheap Eats: Street food, coffee, and Danish national cuisine appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.